System and method for capturing and processing a live event

ABSTRACT

A system comprising a lead computer a plurality of receivers and transmitters for capturing audio and/or video signals and converting the audio and/or video signals to a transmittable form, wherein at least one of the plurality of receivers and transmitters is associated with at least one individual of a group, wherein the lead computer includes a computer processor for processing a selection of the group and a selection of the transmittable audio and/or video signals of the at least one individual transmitted over a network to the lead computer, wherein the lead computer includes a display device having one or more view windows for playing the selection of the group alongside the selection of the transmittable audio and/or video signals of the at least one individual.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/169,654, filed Jun. 27, 2011, entitled “System for Videotapingand Recording a Musical Group.”

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates generally to systems for videotaping andrecording musical groups.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,967 to Calello provides a prerecorded musicalarrangement teaching assembly and method. Prerecorded musical tracksemphasize the volume of a specific musical part such as a soprano part,an alto part, a baritone part or a bass part of a musical performancehave been developed to provide musical training for singers. Musicalcomposition systems and methods have been developed for editing theformat of a musical composition using a digital pen, alphanumerickeyboard, mouse and/or musical keyboard and displaying the edited formatof the musical composition to players. Player stations may be connectedto a composer station in an orchestra arrangement. A handwrittenrecognition system may identify one or more handwritten editions in themusical composition by processing strokes of the digital pen. Thehandwritten editions may be converted into a digital notation format andtransmitted from the composer station to one or more player stations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,168 to Sitrick provides a musical compositioncommunication system, architecture and methodology. A system controllerin the form of a music stand may be used to edit the format of themusical composition, including the pitch, chords, tempo and key.Individual musical workstations may be in the form of music stands suchas performer stands or conductor stands. The individual musicalworkstations may be linked to the system controller through a network.Edited formats of the musical composition may be transmitted from thesystem controller to performer stands of selected players and displayedon the performer stands of selected players.

There is a need for a system of videotaping a musical group that focusessimultaneously on each individual player in the musical group, recordsthe musical performance of each individual player in the musical group,compiles a database of the musical performances, and allows a user toselect and play back a performance of an individual player orperformances of a combination of players along with the original work.

SUMMARY

A system comprising: a plurality of lead computers; a plurality ofplayer workstations; a plurality of audio receivers and transmitters forcapturing audio signals and converting said audio signals to atransmittable form, wherein at least one audio receiver and transmitteris associated with each player; a plurality of video receivers andtransmitters for capturing images and converting said images to atransmittable form, wherein at least one video receiver and transmitteris associated with each player; a storage device and a processor forreceiving and processing signals and to filter any distortions of soundby other players in the background from said audio and video receiversand transmitters and; an output device for outputting each audio andvideo receiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of lead computers, including a conductorcomputer.

FIG. 2 provides an example of a plurality of lead computers when aconcertmaster commands an orchestra.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a lead computer.

FIG. 4 shows an example the linking of a conductor computer to otherlead computers.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which a conductor computer 101 is linked toother lead computers. FIG. 5 a shows an example in which a guestconductor computer 122 is linked to other lead computers.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the linking of a principal first violincomputer to other lead computers where musical group performs without aconductor.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the linking of a principal oboecomputer to lead computers.

FIG. 8 provides an example of the linking of a principal trumpetcomputer to lead computers such as a conductor computer, a principalhorn computer, a principal trombone computer and a principal tubacomputer.

FIG. 9 illustrates examples of a player workstation.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a player workstation.

FIG. 11 shows a principal viola computer linked to viola playerworkstation.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the linking of a plurality ofvioloncello player workstations to a principal violoncello computer.

FIG. 13 provides an example of the linking of a principal clarinetcomputer to a plurality of clarinet player workstations using a network900.

FIG. 14 provides an example of a principal flute computer linked to aplurality of flute player workstations.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a principal first violin computer to a pluralityof string player workstations.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the linking of a principal oboecomputer to a flute player workstation, an oboe player workstation, anEnglish Horn player workstation, a clarinet player workstation, a bassethorn player workstation, a bassoon player workstation and a saxophoneplayer workstation.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the linking of a conductor computer toa principal first violin computer, a principal second violin computer, aplurality of first violin player workstations and a plurality of secondviolin workstations.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a guest conductor computer linked toother lead computers.

FIG. 19 provides an example of a principal first violin computer linkedto a plurality of first violin player workstations and a plurality ofsecond violin player workstations.

FIG. 20 depicts an example of the linking of a principal second violincomputer to a conductor computer, a principal first violin computer, aplurality of first violin player workstations and a plurality of secondviolin player workstations.

FIG. 21 shows a principal timpani computer linked to a plurality ofpercussion player workstations.

FIG. 22 illustrates a principal trumpet computer linked to a pluralityof brass player workstations.

FIG. 23 depicts an example of the linking of a principal trombonecomputer to a trombone player workstation and a tuba player workstation.

FIG. 24 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the system for videotapinga musical group.

FIG. 25 illustrates a system comprising a plurality of lead computers, aplurality of player workstations, a plurality of audio receivers andtransmitters for capturing audio signals and converting the audiosignals to a transmittable form, wherein at least one audio receiver andtransmitter is associated with each player, a plurality of videoreceivers and transmitters for capturing images and converting theimages to a transmittable form, wherein at least one video receiver andtransmitter is associated with each player, a storage device and aprocessor for receiving and processing signals from the audio and videoreceivers and transmitters and to filter any distortions of sound byother players in the background and an output device for outputting eachaudio and video receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will be described in association with referencesto drawings. Various implementations of the present invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is a systemcomprising: a plurality of lead computers; a plurality of playerworkstations; a plurality of audio receivers and transmitters forcapturing audio signals and converting said audio signals to atransmittable form, wherein at least one audio receiver and transmitteris associated with each player; a plurality of video receivers andtransmitters for capturing images and converting said images to atransmittable form, wherein at least one video receiver and transmitteris associated with each player; a storage device and a processor forreceiving and processing signals and to filter any distortions of soundby other players in the background from said audio and video receiversand transmitters and; an output device for outputting each audio andvideo receiver.

The system may be used to record the audio/or video of each player in amusical group individually while they are playing. A musical group mayconsist of any ensemble of musical instruments, including such examplesas a rock band, jazz band, orchestra, string ensembles, wind ensembles,vocal ensembles, choirs, a cappella groups, marching bands, rhythm &blues ensembles, church ensembles, ethnic ensembles, percussionensembles, chamber music ensembles, brass ensembles, bluegrass bands,country bands, hip-hop groups, rap groups, metal groups, punk groups,swing groups, funk groups, fusion groups, techno groups and militaryensembles. During playback of the musical group or individual performer,one may listen to and watch an individual performer or separateperformer audio/or video signals may be combined as desired. Musicalgroups may mix and match various recorded instruments as they desire.Musical groups may also add in or remove various recorded instruments atany time to determine the variation they desire. Musical groups are notrequired to record all instruments at one given time; the system allowsinstruments to be added over time if desired.

The system may include one or more lead computers. FIG. 1 illustrates aplurality of lead computers, including, but not limited to a conductorcomputer 101, a principal first violin computer 102 (i.e., a stringsection leader computer, a concertmaster computer), a principal secondviolin computer 103, a principal violoncello computer 104, a principaldouble bass computer 105, a principal viola computer 106, a principalflute computer 107, a principal oboe computer 108 (i.e., a woodwindsection leader computer), a principal clarinet computer 109, a principalbassoon computer 110, a principal horn computer 111, a principal trumpetcomputer 112 (i.e., a brass section leader computer), a principaltrombone computer 113 (i.e., a low-brass section leader computer), aprincipal tuba computer 114, a principal piano computer 115, a principalharp computer 116, a principal drum computer 117, a principal lutecomputer (i.e., a lutenist section leader computer), a principlevocalist computer (i.e., a vocalist section leader) and a principaltimpani computer 118 (i.e., a percussion section leader computer).Alternatively, each audio and video receiver may be attached to a singlecomputer. It should be understood that throughout the specification acomputer may refer to a separate processor and storage device or singleprocessor and storage device.

Musical groups may perform a repertoire without a conductor. When themusical group includes a conductor, the principal first violin may actas the string section leader and concertmaster (i.e., a musical groupleader); however, the principal first violin is subject to theconductor. According to FIG. 2, a principal first violin computer 102(i.e., a string section leader computer and a concertmaster computer) orany other section leader computer may be used in place of a conductorcomputer 101. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a plurality of leadcomputers such as a principal first violin computer 102 (i.e., a stringsection leader computer, a concertmaster computer), a principal secondviolin computer 103, a principal violoncello computer 104, a principaldouble bass computer 105, a principal viola computer 106, a principalflute computer 107, a principal oboe computer 108 (i.e., a woodwindsection leader computer), a principal clarinet computer 109, a principalbassoon computer 110, a principal horn computer 111, a principal trumpetcomputer 112 (i.e., a brass section leader computer), a principaltrombone computer 113 (i.e., low-brass section leader computer), aprincipal tuba computer 114, a principal piano computer 115, a principalharp computer 116, a principal drum computer 117, a principle lutecomputer (i.e., a lutenist, a guitarist section leader computer), aprinciple vocalist computer (i.e., a vocalist section leader) and aprincipal timpani computer 118 (i.e., a percussion section leadercomputer).

FIG. 3 illustrates is a block diagram of a lead computer (i.e., aprincipal drum computer, a principal bassoon computer, a principal guestcomputer) which includes a lead computer processor 1101 (i.e., amicroprocessor), a lead computer network interface 1102, a lead computermemory 1103 and an input device 1104 (i.e., a pointer, an alphanumerickeyboard, a stylus, a mouse, a cursor, a trackball, a touch sensitivescreen, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pressure-sensitive pad, a lightpen, other graphical user interface (GUI) or combination thereof). Thelead computer processor 1101 is connected to the lead memory 1103. Thelead computer processor 1101 is also connected to the input device 1104.The lead computer network interface 1102 is a means for communicatingwith other lead computers and player workstations. The lead computerreceives data from other lead computers and/or player workstations viathe lead computer network interface 1102. The lead computer also sendsdata to other lead computers and/or player workstations via the leadcomputer network interface 1102. A name of a musical group leader and amusical composition may be configured in a corresponding lead computerusing the input device 1104.

A plurality of lead computers may be linked using a network (i.e.,Internet, Intranet or Ethernet via a network card, telephone line,cordless telephone line, cable modem and/or wireless device). FIG. 4illustrates an example in which a plurality of lead computers such as aprincipal flute computer 107, a principal oboe computer 108, a principalhorn computer 111, a principal tuba computer 114, a principal pianocomputer 116 and a principal timpani computer 118 are connected via anetwork 900.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which a conductor computer 101 linked via anetwork 900 to other lead computers such as a principal first violincomputer 102 (i.e., a string section leader computer, a concertmastercomputer), a principal second violin computer 103, a principalvioloncello computer 104, a principal double bass computer 105, aprincipal viola computer 106, a principal flute computer 107, aprincipal oboe computer 108 (i.e., a woodwind section leader computer),a principal clarinet computer 109, a principal bassoon computer 110, aprincipal horn computer 111, a principal trumpet computer 112 (i.e., abrass section leader computer), a principal trombone computer 113 (i.e.,low-brass section leader computer), a principal tuba computer 114, aprincipal piano computer 115, a principal harp computer 116, a principaldrum computer 117, a principal lute computer (i.e., a lutenist sectionleader computer), a principle vocalist computer (i.e., a vocalistsection leader computer), and a principal timpani computer 118 (i.e., apercussion section leader computer). Alternatively, a guest conductorcomputer may be linked to other lead computers via a network 900. FIG. 5shows an example of the linking of the conductor computer 101 to otherlead computers using the network 900. FIG. 6 provides an example of thelinking of a principal first violin computer to other lead computerswhere a musical group performs without a conductor.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a principal oboe computer linked via anetwork 900 to lead computers, including a conductor computer 101, aprincipal clarinet computer 109, a principal bassoon computer 110, aprincipal English horn computer 119, a principal basset horn computer120 and principal saxophone computer 121.

A principal trumpet computer 112 (i.e., a brass section leader computer)may be linked via a network 900 to lead computers such as a conductorcomputer 101, a principal horn computer 111, a principal trombonecomputer 113 and/or a principal tuba computer 114 in accordance withFIG. 8.

A plurality of player workstations may include string playerworkstations, woodwind player workstations, brass player workstations,percussion player workstations, lute player workstations, vocalistplayer workstation or a combination thereof. In accordance with FIG. 9,examples of a player workstation include, but are not limited to a firstviolin player workstation 201, a second violin player workstation 202, aviola player workstation 203, a violoncello player workstation 204, adouble bass player workstation 205, a lute player workstation 206, azither player workstation 207 and a harp player workstation 208, a fluteplayer workstation 301, an oboe player workstation 302, a Cor anglaisplayer workstation 303 (i.e., English horn player workstation), aclarinet player workstation 304, a basset horn player workstation 305, abassoon player workstation 306, a saxophone player workstation 307, atrumpet player workstation 401, a cornet player workstation 402, atrombone player workstation 403, a tuba player workstation 404, acontrabass tuba player workstation 405, a horn player workstation 406, adrum player workstation 501, a cymbal player workstation 502, a castanetplayer workstation 503, a gong player workstation 504, an orchestra bellplayer workstation 505, a tambourine player workstation 506, a maraca'splayer workstation 507, a guiro player workstation 508, a timpani playerworkstation 509, a xylophone player workstation 510, a metallophoneplayer workstation 511, a marimba player workstation 512, amarimba-xylophone player workstation 513, a chime's player workstation514, a piano player workstation 515, a harpsichord player workstation516 and an organ player workstation 517.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a player workstation (i.e., afirst violin player workstation, a flute player workstation, a trumpetplayer workstation, a lute player workstation, a drum playerworkstation, a vocalist player workstation). A name of an individualplayer (i.e., Harry Steinbach, Julia Baker, Gertrude Taylor) and arepertoire (i.e., concertos, solo concertos, symphonies, sonatas,compositions, collection of musical pieces) for the musical instrumentmay be entered into the corresponding player workstation using a playerworkstation input device 1204.

Each player workstation focuses on a performance of an individual playerduring a live musical performance. Alternatively, a single computer mayreceive input data from the audio and video receiver from each playerand record and store the data. Each player workstation or a singlecomputer includes a filter 1205 for reducing signals from other playerworkstations and background sounds. The performance of the individualplayer may be videotaped using a player workstation video camera 1208and computer-aided design software or computer aided manufacturingsoftware. Each player workstation or a single computer may comprise oneor more player workstation input devices 1204 (i.e., a graphical userinterface, a touch-sensitive screen, an alphanumeric keyboard, a mouse,a radio button), which are linked to a player workstation processor1201. Each player workstation includes a microphone 1207 for eachindividual player. A voice recognition device 1206 receives input fromthe microphone 1207. A videotaped performance of each individual playermay be stored in the player workstation memory 1203 of the correspondingplayer workstation or each section of a single computer.

A workstation display screen 1209 displays the videotaped performance ofat least one individual player. For example, the workstation displayscreen 1209 may be in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD).Another example of a player workstation display screen is an activematrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD). The player workstation displayscreen 1209 may be in the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT). Yet anotherexample of a player workstation display screen 1209 is a plasma displaypanel (PDP). The display screen may be in the form of digital lightprocessing (DLP). Yet another possibility is light-emitting diodedisplay (LED). The player workstation display screen 1209 may be in theform of a television screen or a computer monitor. A hand-held (HHC)computer provides an example of a player workstation display screen1209. A personal digital assistant (PDA) may be used as a playerworkstation display screen 1209. A tablet PC or cell phone may also beused as a player workstation display screen 1209. Other examples of aplayer workstation display screen 1209 include, but are not limited to afield emission display (FED) and an electro luminescent display (EL).

The player workstation may act as a training tool for individual membersof the musical group allowing them to observe and listen to their ownaudio and/or video as well as audio and/or video signals from othermembers of the musical group. The player workstation may aid the musicalgroup members in identifying mistakes or experimentation with differentarrays of musical instruments.

At least one lead computer may be connected to a plurality of playerworkstations (i.e., one or more string player workstations, woodwindplayer workstations, percussion player workstations, brass playerworkstations and/or combination thereof) using a network 900 (i.e.,Internet, Intranet or Ethernet via a network card, telephone line,cordless telephone line, cable modem and/or wireless device). FIG. 9illustrates a lead computer such as a conductor computer 101 linked to aplurality of player workstations of individual players using a network900.

FIG. 11 shows a principal viola computer 106 linked to a plurality ofviola player workstations 203 a, 203 b, 203 c, 203 d and 203 e using anetwork 900. In FIG. 12, a principal violoncello computer 104 is linkedto a plurality of violoncello player workstations 204 a, 204 b, 204 c,204 d and 204 e via a network 900. Further, FIG. 13 provides an exampleof the linking of a principal clarinet computer 109 to a plurality ofclarinet player workstations 209 a, 209 b, 209 c, 209 d and 209 e usinga network 900. Similarly, FIG. 14 provides an example of a principalflute computer 107 linked to a plurality of flute player workstations207 a, 207 b, 207 c, 207 d and 207 e.

In accordance with FIG. 15, a principal first violin computer 102 (i.e.,a string section leader computer) may be linked to a plurality of stringplayer workstations, including but is not limited to a first violinplayer workstation 201, a second violin player workstation 202, a violplayer workstation 203, a violoncello player workstation 204, a doublebass player workstation 205, a lute player workstation 206, a zitherplayer workstation 207 and a harp player workstation 208.

A principal oboe computer (i.e., a woodwind section leader computer) maybe linked to a plurality of player workstations such as a plurality ofwoodwind player workstations, including flute player workstations, oboeplayer workstations, English Horn player workstations, a clarinet playerworkstations, basset horn player workstations, bassoon playerworkstations and/or saxophone player workstations. FIG. 16 illustratesan example of the linking of the principal oboe computer 108 to a fluteplayer workstation 301, an oboe player workstation 302, an English Hornplayer workstation 303, a clarinet player workstation 304, a basset hornplayer workstation 305, a bassoon player workstation 306 and/or asaxophone workstation 307.

A plurality of lead computers and a plurality of player workstations maybe linked using a network (i.e., Internet, Intranet or Ethernet via anetwork card, telephone line, cordless telephone line, cable modemand/or wireless device). FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a conductorcomputer linked to a principal first violin computer, a principal secondviolin computer, a plurality of first violin player workstations and aplurality of second violin workstations.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a guest conductor computer 122 linkedto other lead computers (i.e., a principal violoncello computer 104, aprincipal double bass computer 105, a principal viola computer 106, aprincipal flute computer 107, a principal oboe computer 108, a principalclarinet computer 109, a principal bassoon computer 110, a principalhorn computer 111, a principal trumpet computer 112, a principaltrombone computer 113, a principal tuba computer 114, a principal pianocomputer 115, a principal harp computer 116, a principal drum computer117 and a principal timpani computer 118 and a plurality of playerworkstations (i.e., one or more lute player workstations 206, one ormore chimes player workstations 514).

FIG. 19 provides an example of a principal first violin computer 102(i.e., a string section leader computer, a concertmaster computer)linked to a plurality of first violin player workstations 201 a, 201 b,201 c, 201 d and a plurality of second violin player workstations 202 a,202 b, 202 c, 202 d. The principal first violin computer 102 may be alsolinked to a conductor computer 101. In accordance with FIG. 20, theprincipal second violin computer 103 may be linked to a conductorcomputer 101, a principal first violin computer 102, a plurality offirst violin player workstations 201 a, 201 b, 201 c, 201 d and aplurality of second violin player workstations 202 a, 202 b, 202 c, 202d.

FIG. 21 shows a principal timpani computer 118 (i.e., a percussionsection leader computer) linked to a plurality of percussion playerworkstations, including a drum player workstation 501, a cymbal playerworkstation 502, a castanet player workstation 503, a gong playerworkstation 504, an orchestra bell player workstation 505, a tambourineplayer workstation 506, a maraca player workstation 507, a guiro playerworkstation 508, a timpani player workstation 509, a xylophone playerworkstation 510, a metallophone player workstation 511, a marimba playerworkstation 512, a marimba-xylophone player workstation 513, a chimeplayer workstation 514, a piano player workstation 515, a harpsichordplayer workstation 516 and an organ player workstation 517.

FIG. 22 illustrates a principal trumpet computer 112 linked to one ormore brass player workstations, including a trumpet player workstation401, a cornet player workstation 402, a trombone player workstation 403,a tuba player workstation 404, a contrabass tuba player workstation 405and a horn player workstation 406. FIG. 23 illustrates the linking of aprincipal trombone computer 113 to a trombone player workstation 403 anda tuba player workstation 404.

In a preferred embodiment of FIG. 24, a plurality of lead computersincludes a conductor computer 101, a guest conductor computer 122, aprincipal first violin computer 102 (i.e., a string section leadercomputer, a concertmaster computer), an assistant first violin computer602, a principal second violin computer 103, an assistant principalsecond violin computer 603, a principal violoncello computer 104, anassistant principal violoncello computer 604, a principal double basscomputer 105, an assistant double bass computer 605, a principal violacomputer 106, an assistant principal viola computer 606, a principalflute computer 107, an assistant flute computer 607, a principal oboecomputer 108 (i.e., a woodwind section leader computer), an assistantprincipal oboe computer 608, a principal clarinet computer 109, anassistant principal clarinet computer 609, a principal bassoon computer110, an assistant principal bassoon computer 610, a principal horncomputer 111, an assistant principal horn computer 611, a principaltrumpet computer 112 (i.e., a brass section leader computer), anassistant principal trumpet computer 612, a principal trombone computer113 (i.e., low-brass section leader computer), an assistant trombonecomputer 613, a principal tuba computer 114, an assistant tuba computer614, a principal piano computer 115, an assistant principal pianocomputer 615, a principal harp computer 116, an assistant principal harpcomputer 616, a principal drum computer 117, an assistant drum computer617, a principal timpani computer 118 (i.e., percussion section leadercomputer) and an assistant principal timpani computer 618.

The user (i.e., a musical group leader, conductor, guest conductor,principal first violinist, principal timpani, principal clarinetist) maylisten to the musical group from the perspective of an individual player(i.e., a viola da gamba player, a soprano flute player, a tenor oboist).A lead speaker 1105 and a lead speaker 1106 are connected to the leadcomputer for hearing at least one individual player in a musical group.

A lead computer display screen 1107 may be in the form of a liquidcrystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), an activematrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), aplasma display panel (PDP), a digital light processing display (DLP), atelevision screen, a computer monitor, a hand-held (HHC) computer, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a tablet PC, afield emission display (FED) or an electro luminescent display (EL). Thelead computer display screen 1107 may include one or more view windowsfor displaying and playing a selected videotaped performance of anindividual player, videotaped performances of a plurality of playersand/or a selected videotaped performance of the entire musical group.The lead computer display screen 1107 may be coupled to a lead computerprocessor 1101 (i.e., microprocessor).

A lead computer display screen 1107 may display an icon, radio buttons,menus and/or pull down screen for selecting a musical piece or arepertoire and selecting a videotaped performance of at least oneindividual player and/or the videotaped performance of at least onemusical group leader. Using a lead computer input device 1104 such as agraphical user interface, the musical group leader may select a musicalpiece or a repertoire. The musical group leader may also select anindividual player in the musical group or a combination of individualplayers in the musical group using the graphical user interface. Thelead computer may be interfaced with a lead computer processor 1101(i.e., a microprocessor), a plurality of player workstations and leadsynchronizer 1108. The lead computer possessor 1101 may process theselection for the musical piece and the selection of the videotapedperformance of an individual player in the musical group or thevideotaped performance of a combination of individual players in themusical group. The lead computer processor 1101 (i.e., microprocessor)may retrieve the selected videotaped performance of an individual playerin the musical group or the selected videotaped performance of acombination of individual players in the musical group. A performance ofthe individual player in the musical group or performances of acombination of individual players may be transmitted via a network 900to the lead computer.

The audio of the videotaped performances for each selected individualplayer may be superimposed or synchronized into a superimposed audioperformance using the lead synchronizer 1108. The lead computer may playthe superimposed audio performance of the selected individual players.Then, the musical group leader can listen to the superimposed audioperformance and determine how a musical piece is affected by theselected individual player or selected combination of individualplayers. Alternatively, a selected videotaped performance of anindividual player, selected videotaped performances of a plurality ofplayers and/or a selected videotaped performance of the entire musicalgroup may be displayed and played on one or more view windows of thelead computer display screen 1107.

For example, a conductor may select an individual player (i.e., anindividual player) such as a string player using the lead computer inputdevice 1104 on the lead computer and listen to the performance of thestring player along with a videotaped recording of the entire musicalgroup to determine how the musical piece is affected by the stringplayer and/or direct the string player to play at a different tempoduring a rehearsal. Where a musical group does not have a conductor, aprincipal first violinist (i.e., a concertmaster or a string sectionleader) may select a string player using a lead computer input device onthe principal first violin computer (i.e., a concertmaster computer or astring section leader computer) and determine how the musical piece isaffected by the string player during the rehearsal. A string playerincludes, but is not limited to a violin player (i.e., an acousticviolinist, an electric violin player), a viola player (a violist), aviol player (i.e., a viola da gamba player, a viola d'amore player, aviola da braccio player), a violoncello player (i.e., a violoncellist, acellist), a double bass player, a lute player (i.e., a lutenist, aguitarist), a zither player (i.e., a zitherist) and a harp player (i.e.,a harpist).

Using the lead computer input device 1104 on the lead computer, themusical group leader may select an individual player such as a woodwindplayer and play a videotaped performance of the individual player. Awoodwind player includes, but is not limited to a piccolo player, aflute player (i.e., a flautist, a fife player, a piccolo flute player, atreble flute player, a soprano flute player, an alto flute player, atenor flute player, a bass flute player, a contra-alto flute player, acontrabass flute player, a subcontrabass flute player, a doublecontra-alto flute player, a double contrabass player, a fipple fluteplayer, a transverse flute player such as a Western concert flute playeror a Boehm flute, a hyper-bass flute player), an oboe player (i.e., apiccolo oboist, a tenor oboist, an oboe d'amore player, a bass oboist,baritone oboist), a Cor anglais player or an English horn player, aclarinet player (i.e., a sopranino clarinetist, a soprano clarinetist,an alto clarinetist, a contra-alto clarinetist, a contrabassclarinetist, an octocontra-alto clarinetist, an octocontrabassclarinetist, a bass clarinetist, a triple clarinet player), basset hornplayer, a bassoon player (i.e., a bassoonist, a contrabassoon player),and a saxophone player (i.e., a piccolo saxophonist, a sopraninosaxophonist, a soprano saxophonist, a mezzo-soprano saxophonist, an altosaxophonist, a C melody saxophonist, E flat saxophonist, a tenor basssaxophonist, a baritone saxophonist, a bass saxophonist, a contrabasssaxophonist, aulochrome saxophonist).

For example, a conductor may select a soprano clarinetist using the leadcomputer input device 1104 on the conductor computer 101 and listen tothe tempo. Then, the conductor may direct the soprano clarinetist toincrease or decrease tempo. In still another example, a principalclarinet may select a bass clarinetist using the lead computer inputdevice 1104 on a principal clarinet computer 109, listen to the bassclarinetist to determine how the tone of the musical piece is affectedby the bass clarinetist.

Optionally, the musical group leader may select an individual playersuch as a percussion player using the lead computer input device 1104 onthe lead computer and play the videotaped performance of the individualplayer. A percussion player includes but is not limited to a drum player(i.e., a drummer, a snare drummer, a tenor drummer, a bass drummer), acymbal player (i.e., cymbalist), a castanet player, an orchestra bellplayer (i.e., a Glockenspiel bell player, a bell lyre player), atriangle player, a wood block player, tambourine player, a maracaplayer, a guiro player, a timpani player, a xylophone player, ametallophone player, a marimba player, a marimba-xylophone player, achime player, a pianist, a harpsichord player and an organist. Forexample, a percussion section leader may select a cymbal player using alead computer input device 1104 on the lead computer. The percussionsection leader can listen to the cymbal player on the videotapedperformance and determine how the musical piece is affected by thecymbal player and watches the demeanor of the cymbal player.

Another alternative is the selection of an individual player such as abrass player by a musical group leader using the lead computer inputdevice 1104 on the lead computer. Then, the lead computer may play theaudio performance of the individual player through lead computerspeakers 1105 and 1106. A brass player includes, but is not limited to atrumpet player (i.e., a B flat trumpet player, a C trumpet player, apiccolo trumpeter, a bass trumpeter, a slide trumpet player), a cornetplayer (i.e., a B flat cornetist, an E flat cornetist), a tromboneplayer (i.e., a piccolo trombonist, a soprano trombonist, a sopraninotrombonist, an alto trombonist, a tenor trombonist, a bass trombonist, acontrabass trombonist), a tuba player (i.e., a euphonium player or atenor tuba player such as a small French Tuba, a C tuba player, a B flattuba player, a bass tuba player such as a F tuba player or an E flattuba player, a contrabass tuba such as a CC contrabass tuba player or aBB flat contrabass tuba player), a horn player (i.e., a French hornplayer, a baritone horn player, a flugelhorn player).

The musical group leader may select a plurality of string players, aplurality of woodwind players, a plurality of percussion players, aplurality of brass players, or a combination thereof using a leadcomputer input device 1104 on the lead computer. For instance, a brasssection leader may select a tuba player and trombone player using thelead computer input device 1104 on the principal trumpet computer 112and listen to how the musical composition is affected by the tuba playerand trombone player. Then, the musical group leader may determine thatthe tuba player's videotaped performance does not blend with a pluralityof brass players. Thus, the entire musical group does not have to beassembled for the musical group leader to hear how the musical piece isaffected by an individual player.

The musical group leader may select at least one of an individual playerand a plurality of string players, a plurality of woodwind players, aplurality of percussion players, a plurality of brass players or acombination thereof using an input device 1104. The performances of theindividual player and a plurality of string players, a plurality ofwoodwind players, a plurality of percussion players, a plurality ofbrass players or a combination thereof may be transmitted over a networkto the lead computer. Then, the videotaped performance of the individualplayer is played. Then, the musical group leader may listen to a musicalpiece from a perspective of the selected individual player.

In another aspect, FIG. 25 illustrates a simplified example of a systemof the present invention. The system includes one or more of leadcomputers 100 (i.e., a string section leader computer, a concertmastercomputer) and one or more player workstations 200 (i.e., first violinplayer workstation, a second violin player workstation, a viola playerworkstation). The system also includes one or more audio receivers 2501and transmitters 2502 for capturing audio signals and converting saidaudio signals to a transmittable form. At least one audio receiver 2501and transmitter 2502 is associated with each player. The system includesone or more video receivers 2503 and transmitters 2504 for capturingimages and converting the images to a transmittable form. At least onevideo receiver 2503 and transmitter 2504 is associated with each player.The system includes a storage device 2505 and a processor 2506 forreceiving and processing signals from the audio and video receivers andtransmitters and to filter any distortions of sound by other players inthe background. Further, the system includes one or more output devices2509 (i.e., speaker) for outputting each audio receiver 2509 and one ormore output devices (i.e., display device) for each video receiver 2510.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a lead computer; a pluralityof receivers and transmitters for capturing audio signals and convertingthe audio signals to a transmittable form, wherein at least one of theplurality of receivers and transmitters is associated with at least oneindividual of a group; wherein the lead computer includes a computerprocessor for processing a selection of the group and a selection of thetransmittable audio signals of the at least one individual transmittedover a network to the lead computer; wherein the lead computer includesa display device having one or more view windows for playing theselection of the group alongside the selection of the transmittableaudio signals of the at least one individual.
 2. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a storage device and a processor for receiving andprocessing signals from said audio receivers and transmitters; arecorder for storing said transmittable audio signals on the storagedevice; and an output device for outputting each audio receiver.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises a graphical userinterface.
 4. The system of claim 1, further including a plurality ofvideo receivers and transmitters for capturing images and convertingsaid images to a transmittable form, wherein at least one of theplurality of video receivers and transmitters is associated with atleast one individual.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the leadcomputer comprises an assistant computer.
 6. A system comprising: a leadcomputer; a plurality of video receivers and transmitters for capturingimages and converting the images to a transmittable form, wherein atleast one of the plurality of receivers and transmitters is associatedwith at least one individual of a group; wherein the lead computerincludes a computer processor for processing a selection of the groupand a selection of the transmittable images of the at least oneindividual transmitted over a network to the lead computer; wherein thelead computer includes a display device having one or more view windowsfor displaying the selection of the group alongside the selection of thetransmittable images of the at least one individual.
 7. The system ofclaim 6, further comprising: a storage device and a processor forreceiving and processing signals from the video receivers andtransmitters; a recorder for storing said transmittable video images onthe storage device; and an output device for outputting each videoreceiver.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the display device comprisesa graphical user interface.
 9. The system of claim 6, further includinga plurality of audio receivers and transmitters for capturing audiosignals and converting said audio signals to a transmittable form,wherein at least one of the plurality of audio receivers andtransmitters is associated with at least one individual.
 10. The systemof claim 6, wherein the lead computer comprises an assistant computer.11. A method of capturing and processing a live event, including acomputing system having a processor, the computing system connected to aplurality of audio and video receivers over a network, the methodcomprising: capturing, by the plurality of audio and video receivers andtransmitters, audio and video signals associated with at least oneindividual of a group; processing, by the processor of a computingsystem, a selection of the group and a selection of the audio and videosignals of the at least one individual of the group; and displaying, ona display device of the computing system, in one or more view windows,the selection of the group alongside the selection of the audio andvideo signals of the at least one individual of the group.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the display device comprises a graphicaluser interface.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the computing systemcomprises an assistant computer.